Britain dodges disaster: Police and MI5 smash a suspected Iranian terror plot just hours before it was set to blow.
Seven Iranians Nabbed in Major Raids Across England
In dramatic overnight raids on Saturday, seven suspected Iranian operatives were arrested across London, Rochdale, Swindon, Manchester, and Stockport. Cops moved in on two Iranian cells in what sources call the “biggest counter-state threat” in years.
Elite Special Forces stormed terraced homes in a “highly significant” operation to stop a Tehran-backed attack on a specific UK target — described by officials as imminent and deadly.
Scenes of Chaos as Armed Officers Smash Doors
In Rochdale, 30 armed officers burst into a house at 7pm, dragging a 40-year-old Iranian suspect out, clad only in underpants, after a loud bang sounded like an explosion.
Neighbour Amy Openshaw said: “There was a huge bang, like an explosion. Then I saw men with masks and guns dragging someone out onto the street.”
Local resident Lois added: “There was a flame and a loud boom when they blew the door in.”
Senior Officials Sound Alarm Over Iran Threat
Home Secretary 1 praised the raids:
“These are some of the biggest counter-terrorism operations we have seen in recent years. The investigations involve Iranian nationals and reflect the complexity of national security threats we continue to face.”
MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum warned Iran’s hostile activity is escalating at “an unprecedented pace and scale”. He said:
“If you take money from Iran or any hostile state to carry out illegal acts in Britain, you’ll face the full force of the national security apparatus. It’s a choice you’ll regret.”
Since 2022, over 20 Iran-linked plots, mostly targeting dissidents and journalists, have been foiled by British intelligence.
More Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
- Four men remain in custody on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
- Three others were arrested the same day suspected of spying for Iran, marking the first use of powers under the National Security Act.
- Additional arrests include a 29-year-old in Swindon, a 46-year-old in west London, a 29-year-old in Stockport, and a fifth man in Cheadle Hulme, Manchester.
Met Counter-Terrorism chief Dominic Murphy said: “This is a fast-moving investigation still in its early stages.”
Officials confirm Tehran’s networks use criminal gangs and proxies to carry out “dirty work” against critics on UK soil. Last year, spy Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev was jailed for spying on Iran International’s London offices.
What Happens Next?
Police and MI5 are continuing their probe with further arrests expected. The threat from Iran-linked groups remains critical, officials warn.
See something? Say something. Contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
